Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Olson.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
To be quite honest, I still have such a long way to go in my photography journey, but I really think that is one of the best parts of learning and loving something. My interest initially started in my junior year of high school. I was involved in a small photography club that would task us with finding different scenes to capture. Throughout the next couple of years, I started to take my camera more places and not only take more pictures but also start to explore the editing side of things. One of my most favorite parts of the whole process but also one of the hardest. As of a year ago, I decided I wanted to take it further because It became more of just a small hobby, it became a fun passion that I loved to do. Honestly, I was a little anxious about making it into a business because I always felt that bringing business into a hobby would make the joy I felt for it go away. It turns out that it just makes me take it more seriously and force myself to learn and explore more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would like to say yes because there is always something worse that can happen in every situation. I am only about a year into my photography business and I’d like to think with a full-time job, a husband and a dog I am doing pretty good. The hardest part for me has been to remember everything I learn and to actually use it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. I have about six months left of my four years contract. My specific job deals with supplying Aircraft and their finances. I wouldn’t say I am known for anything specific until recently, they all know I do photography so if anyone ever needs pictures for an event. I am the person they call. I would say I am most proud of coming this far. I didn’t think I was even going to make it past the first step, boot camp, but I did and every other obstacle and hard time I have gotten through it and I feel like the Marine Corps has taught me so much and I will be able to carry it with me for the rest of my life.
I think my values and kindness. I like to think that as bad as an environment maybe you can always lighten it up with a little happiness and kind words and I think it can really make a difference.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I think I have gotten to where I am today because of my pursuit to find what makes me happiest and also the support of my husband. My biggest goal in life has always been to find the ultimate happiness. To find that feeling of complete joy, until then I will never stop. Regarding my husband, he has played such a huge role in helping me get to where I am. Not only in photography but also throughout my military time. He has been there with me through it all and is always there to remind me to not give up and to keep going. I also believe God has had a huge role in everything as well. He puts those obstacles in front of people for a reason, and without them you would never learn and become a better person, better photographer. If you can compare luck to anything, I would compare it to how when good things happen, I know where it’s coming from.
Contact Info:
- Email: sandie.images2020@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.sandieimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandie.images/
Image Credits:
Heveli Gutierrez IG: evesolanophotography (for the photos of myself)
